Class of 2007 Records Update

To the Burlington High School Class of 2007:

You were informed when you left Burlington High School that your academic records would be held for five years. After five years, all but your high school transcript would be destroyed

Beginning now and ending June 1, 2012, you may call Theresa Cavanaugh, Registrar at 781-270-1827, to arrange pick-up of your academic records. Proper identification will be necessary and only the 2007 graduate is authorized to pick up the records.

All records, excluding your high school transcript, will be destroyed beginning on June 20th.

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)

Freshman, sophomore and junior parents are invited to attend a free presentation on college financing this Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the BHS auditorium.

This seminar is offered through the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), the Commonwealth's resource for planning, saving and paying for college. An experienced MEFA representative, Carla Berg of Bentley University, will provide an overview of the financial aid process, including types of financial aid, how to apply, and determining financing options for your family. 

Also time is allowed for questions and answers. Please contact the BHS Guidance Department at 781-270-1780 if you have any questions.

Spring College Fairs

NEACAC SPRING COLLEGE FAIRS IN MASSACHUSETTS 

The New England Association of College Admissions Counselors (NEACAC) is holding three college fairs in Massachusetts this spring.  Two new sites have been added to the 2012 schedule at Stonehill College and Merrimack College.  The attendance at these fairs are free to students, parents and counselors.  No registration or notification is required to attend.

To see which colleges and universities will be in attendance just click on the fair sites below. 

NEACAC Fair:  Merrimack College

Lawler Arena in Volpe Athletic Center, North Andover, MA

Monday, May 14, 2012, 7:00pm-9:00pm

NEACAC Fair:  Assumption College

Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption College, Worcester, MA

Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 7:00pm-9:00pm

NEACAC Fair:  Stonehill College

Roche Dining Commons, Easton, MA

Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Dan Whitehead Memorial Scholarship

Seniors 
We have extended the deadline on the Dan Whitehead Memorial Scholarship to this Thursday May 3rd. We encourage you to apply. The award is for any BHS senior that is majoring in a service related industry (included, but not limited to, education, social services or criminal justice). You may download the application from your Naviance account or feel free to swing by the Guidance office and pick up a copy of the application

This  SAT/ipad practice SAT test for April 28th has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. It will be re-scheduled for next fall. The specific date and time will be publicized in August. 

Susan Alterisio Cardelle Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament

Over the past thirty 20 years the Susan Alterisio Cardelle Memorial Fund has contributed over $200,000 to the Burlington Scholarship Program. Due to the generous support of S.A.C. charities, many BHS seniors have been given a financial reward for all their hard work. On June 25th, S.A.C. charities will host the Susan Alterisio Cardelle Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Classic. Registration information can be found by clicking here. All community members are highly encouraged to take part in this annual event.

Welcoming BHS's Newest Students

On Thursday, April 12th, the Guidance Department hosted a New Student Breakfast to help welcome the 15+ new students who've enrolled at BHS since mid-year.  Several student mentors from the class of 2013 were also on hand to meet and greet new students, answer their questions and help with their transition to BHS.  All BHS students are assigned mentors as freshmen, and this breakfast was held to formalize the mentor program for new students as well.  New students were assigned a mentor from the junior class with the hope that the mentoring relationship would continue through next year, if needed.

New student concerns range from getting around the building, to making friends and adjusting to new teachers.  New students feel that teachers have been helpful with assigning students in class to guide them from one class to another, but that getting lost is sometimes still an issue.  They also appreciate the technology at BHS, such as the use of Facebook and their phones, in order to stay in touch with former friends, especially at moments during the day when they may feel uncomfortable.  They did not feel that being able to reach out to old friends impeded the making of new friends.  Some new students and mentors recommended that BHS redesign its school map.

Mentors encouraged new students to reach out to them and ask any questions.  One mentor also stated encouragingly, "It gets better."  Two new students, who are English Language Learners, were provided a student translator, who will also be in touch with their respective mentors.  The students also hope to create a Facebook group to stay in touch, and it's the hope of administration that next year, BHS will implement a Welcoming Committee, an off-shoot of the mentoring program, which exists specifically for newly enrolled students.

Our newest students have enrolled from countries such as Pakistan and Brazil and from several nearby cities and towns.  They were treated to a breakfast of assorted baked goods, fruit, yogurt and beverages provided by both the Guidance Department and the BHS cafeteria.

It's the goal of the Guidance Department to help ease the transition for newly enrolled students as much as possible, and we are always open to suggestions from the students and school community as to how to continue to improve this transition.